Slow, steady and economical:
Heading North with Karena.
John and Karen Pratt had been long time boat owners of sailing yachts and a smaller powerboat, when, at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, they were introduced to the Integrity Motor Yachts brand and decided it was the perfect boat for them to transition from sail to power. In late 2020, they took delivery of their new 440 Sedan on the Gold Coast spending some time with family before embarking on a shakedown cruise north to their home in Townsville.
Rather than heading straight back with their new boat to North Queensland and into the usual tropical storm season, John and Karen decided to keep Karena on the Gold Coast after taking delivery. Not only was it an opportunity to take their time with the commissioning of the boat and installation of additional systems, but it was also close to their adult children.
Numerous days were enjoyed with family and friends on the Broadwater in the five months to March 2021 when it was decided it was time to take Karena to Townsville. The aim was to enjoy Easter in the Whitsunday Islands group on the way north.
John set off with son Dean and youngest son Mitchell’s fiancé, Maddi, onboard. The trip through Moreton Bay was easy and John certainly appreciated the radar and AIS in the busy shipping lane between Port of Brisbane and Mooloolaba. Son Dean’s six years as a naval officer specialising in navigation were also invaluable for the night passages.
Ideal conditions met them off Fraser Island and after 45 hours of steaming and about 300 nautical miles from the Gold Coast, they reached the paradise of Lady Musgrave Island. It was time for a break, some breakfast and a snorkel. Refreshed, they set off bound for Keppel Bay Marina, Yeppoon where they arrived 13 hours later.
Unfortunately, the weather forecast deteriorated and 30-knot plus winds were expected on the Capricorn and Whitsunday coasts. So, after a day trip to Great Keppel, Dean and Maddi headed back to Brisbane and John to Townsville after completing the 100-hour engine oil and filter change. Easter was spent at home with the boat safely moored at Yeppoon. John returned on Easter Monday with friend, Mark, to continue the trek north.
Cutting the journey into 100-nautical-mile bites, John and Mark cruised from Yeppoon to Middle Percy Island then to Shaw Island at the southern end of the Whitsunday Islands group. Cruising up through the inside passage they stopped at Cape Upstart before the final 70-nautical-mile stretch past Cape Bowling Green and Cape Cleveland into Townsville. Both Shaw Island and Cape Upstart were excellent anchorages in the light prevailing south-easterly breeze.
Despite the change in plan, superb weather conditions and the comfortable, seaworthy performance of the boat made for a very relaxing passage. It was also an opportunity for John to monitor the fuel consumption to validate the results from the commissioning sea trials.
On the Gold Coast, the 285HP Nanni engine, cruising at 7.5 – 7.6Kts at 1600RPM consumed 11.0 l/hr or just under 0.7 l/Nm. Whilst underway heading north with just the engine running (generator off), the consumption varied between 0.80 l/Nm at 1500RPM to 0.62 l/Nm at 1750RPM. John also ran the Stella Systems watermaker for about three hours, making about 500l of water which was consistent with its 160 l/Hr promise.
With Karena now in her new home, John and Karen are looking forward to cruising and enjoying “sundowners” on the tropical waters of North Queensland and think their Integrity 440 should be the perfect boat for this coastline.
Congratulations to both John and Karen and we look forward to hearing more about your adventures.
If you are considering a long-range cruiser like the Classic Integrity 440 Sedan., then contact Integrity Motor Yachts.
